With a prolific career and an outstanding list of accolades, Michael Connelly has established himself as one of the industry’s most acclaimed crime fiction authors.

His stories mostly take place in Los Angeles’s dark underbelly, on gritty streets where crime would run rampant if not for the boundless determination of civil servants who are determined to make a difference.

Connelly’s stories are compelling, captivating, and suspenseful—narratives that enthrall readers and make them crave more.

It is no coincidence that many of his stories have been adapted to the screen, including films starring Clint Eastwood and Matthew McConaughey and three T.V. series, including an ongoing one by Netflix.

However, it’s not easy to start, as Connelly has published an extensive collection of books that may intimidate newcomers. Luckily, everything has a beginning.

Here is everything you need to know about Michael Connelly’s books and the best way to get started on this gripping crime fiction saga.

1. The Harry Bosch Universe
2. The Many Heroes (and Series) of Michael Connelly’s Books
3. How To Read the Michael Connelly Books in Order?
4. Michael Connelly Books in Order of Publication
5. Ready To Enjoy Michael Connelly’s Books?

Understanding Michael Connelly’s Books: The Harry Bosch Universe

To date, Michael Connelly has published 39 books and several short stories. However, these tales do not stand alone. Instead, they are threads in a vast web that Connelly has carefully woven throughout the decades.

Each book features a self-contained mystery that begins and ends within those pages. However, they all give the starring role to the same ongoing characters whose tales feature an ongoing narrative. In other words, they read like procedural dramas, so it is wise to read Michael Connelly’s books in order to glimpse at his major arcs and narratives.

This shared universe of these books is dubbed “The Harry Bosch Universe,” named after Connelly’s definite main character and the main thread connecting all stories. However, the universe expands beyond him, and multiple books feature other prominent recurring characters.

The Many Heroes (and Series) of Michael Connelly’s Books

Although Harry Bosch is the face of the franchise and Connelly’s most well-loved character, he’s far from the only one.

Michael Connelly’s books feature a rich cast of characters that shine independently, and many of them have books written from their perspective and follow their steps. As such, Connelly’s bibliography can be classified into five major categories or series, depending on the character they focus on.

The first is the famous Harry Borsch series featuring the eponymous character, an L.A.P.D. detective. This is the main storyline of Michael Connelly’s books, encompassing 25 books.

Next in prominence is the Lincoln Lawyer series, a collection of 7 books depicting the stories of Mickey Haller, a criminal defense lawyer and Bosch’s half-brother.

Third is the Renée Ballard series, six books following an up-and-coming young L.A.P.D detective seeking to prove herself.

The Jack McEvoy series focuses on the titular character, a crime reporter who finds himself going deep after his brother’s mysterious death. He stars in 5 books.

Finally, there are the miscellaneous books—those that follow a protagonist within the Harry Bosch Universe that does not have a stand-alone series. This includes retired F.B.I. criminal profiler Terry McCaleb, the burglar and ex-con Cassie Black, and more.

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How To Read the Michael Connelly Books in Order?

Sharp readers might have noticed that the number of books featured in each series far surpasses the 39 books Connelly has written. This is not a mistake—many books are featured in multiple series simultaneously.

Since these stories occur in the same shared universe, the characters often interact with each other. As such, plenty of books feature crossovers that give the starring role to two or more of Connelly’s characters and may feature plot points from multiple series.

Because of this, reading a book in random order or focusing on just one series might make the experience confusing and less fulfilling. As such, the best approach to reading Michael Connelly’s books is to follow the publishing order, regardless of the series they are from.

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Michael Connelly Books in Order of Publication

If you’re excited to dive into Michael Connelly’s books, it’s best to do so by order. Many of his books reference past events and ongoing narratives, so while you can enjoy them without context, following the publishing order can enhance the reading experience.

Ready To Enjoy Michael Connelly’s Books?

Michael Connelly’s experience as a crime reporter during the infamous cocaine wars of South Florida and his time writing for the Los Angeles Times gave him unparalleled insight into the world of delinquency and justice.

Then, he combined what he knew with what he loved, creating gripping tales that continue dominating the genre to this day, long after he first began writing them. Don’t be intimidated by his prolific publishing rate—Michael Connelly’s books are a treat you must try.

If you’re interested in more crime fiction, check out James Patterson’s books and Stephen King’s best books.

However, if heart-pumping thrills and plot twists are more to your liking, don’t forget to look at the best Freida McFadden books, Jack Carr Books, Maze Runner Book Series, or check 17 Best Book Series of All Time.

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